If you’re looking for a rich, flavorful sauce to elevate your meals, look no further than this delightful Vegan Onion Gravy. Perfectly savory and deeply satisfying, this gravy is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re drenching it over mashed potatoes, using it as a base for a delicious veggie pot pie, or serving it with your favorite plant-based proteins, this gravy is sure to impress. Let’s dive into this comforting recipe that’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why This Recipe is a Keeper

This Vegan Onion Gravy is a keeper for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly flavorful, thanks to the caramelized onions and garlic. The use of vegan butter adds a rich creaminess that perfectly complements the savory notes. Additionally, it’s super quick to whip up—ideal for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts. Not to mention, it’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. This gravy is not only vegan but also free from any complicated ingredients, making it approachable for cooks of all levels.
What’s in the Bowl
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Vegan Onion Gravy:
- 2 Tbsp Vegan butter – for that rich, buttery flavor.
- 1 Onion (medium) – the star of the show, providing depth and sweetness.
- 1 clove Garlic – adds a lovely aromatic quality.
- 2 Tbsp Corn starch or all-purpose flour – for thickening the gravy.
- 1 cup Vegetable broth – the flavorful base.
- 1 Tbsp Soy sauce or tamari – for a hint of umami.
- 1 cup Dairy-free milk (homemade cashew milk) – gives the gravy a creamy texture.
- 1/2 tsp Salt – to taste.
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper – for a little kick.
Equipment at a Glance
- Skillet – for sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Whisk – for combining the ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to ensure accuracy.
- Spatula – for stirring.
Vegan Onion Gravy Cooking Guide

Step 1: Sauté the Onions
Begin by heating the vegan butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the sliced medium onion. Sauté for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and caramelized. This process will deepen the flavor of the gravy significantly.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Once the onions are beautifully caramelized, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 3: Thicken the Gravy
Sprinkle the corn starch or all-purpose flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir well to combine, allowing the flour to cook for about a minute. This step is crucial for achieving that luscious, thick consistency.
Step 4: Add the Liquid Ingredients
Gradually pour in the vegetable broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Next, add the soy sauce or tamari, and continue to whisk until everything is well incorporated.
Step 5: Stir in Dairy-Free Milk
Pour in the dairy-free milk and keep whisking as the gravy starts to thicken. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to cook for about 5 minutes. This will help all the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finally, season the gravy with salt and black pepper to taste. Once satisfied with the flavor, remove the skillet from heat. Your Vegan Onion Gravy is now ready to be ladled over your favorite dishes!
Customize for Your Needs

Feel free to make this recipe your own with these simple customizations:
- Use different types of onions, such as red or sweet onions, for varied flavors.
- Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
- Incorporate mushrooms for an earthy depth.
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.
Little Things that Matter
Here are a few tips to ensure your Vegan Onion Gravy turns out perfectly:
- Be patient while caramelizing the onions; this step is essential for developing a rich flavor.
- Whisk continuously when adding the broth to avoid lumps.
- Adjust the thickness of the gravy by adding more broth or dairy-free milk if desired.
- Taste as you go, adjusting the seasoning to your preference.
Make Ahead Like a Pro
This Vegan Onion Gravy can be made ahead of time, making it a perfect component for meal prep. Here are some tips:
- Prepare the gravy and let it cool completely before storing.
- Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, simply warm it on the stove, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up as needed.
- You can also freeze the gravy for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Questions People Ask
Can I use a different type of milk in this recipe?
Absolutely! While homemade cashew milk provides a creamy texture, you can substitute it with any other plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk.
Is there a gluten-free version of this gravy?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free all-purpose flour or corn starch to thicken the gravy. Ensure your soy sauce is also gluten-free or use tamari.
Can I make this gravy without vegan butter?
Yes! You can replace the vegan butter with olive oil or coconut oil, although the flavor will slightly differ.
How can I make this gravy richer in flavor?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of nutritional yeast for a cheesy note.
Ready to Cook?
Now that you have everything you need to create this luscious Vegan Onion Gravy, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking. This gravy will undoubtedly become a beloved addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting warmth it brings to your meals, and don’t forget to share your creations with loved ones. Happy cooking!

Vegan Onion Gravy
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Vegan butter for that rich, buttery flavor.
- 1 medium Onion the star of the show, providing depth and sweetness.
- 1 clove Garlic adds a lovely aromatic quality.
- 2 Tbsp Corn starch or all-purpose flour for thickening the gravy.
- 1 cup Vegetable broth the flavorful base.
- 1 Tbsp Soy sauce or tamari for a hint of umami.
- 1 cup Dairy-free milk (homemade cashew milk) gives the gravy a creamy texture.
- 1/2 tsp Salt to taste.
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper for a little kick.
Instructions
- Begin by heating the vegan butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the sliced medium onion. Sauté for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and caramelized.
- Once the onions are beautifully caramelized, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Sprinkle the corn starch or all-purpose flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir well to combine, allowing the flour to cook for about a minute.
- Gradually pour in the vegetable broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Next, add the soy sauce or tamari, and continue to whisk until everything is well incorporated.
- Pour in the dairy-free milk and keep whisking as the gravy starts to thicken. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to cook for about 5 minutes.
- Finally, season the gravy with salt and black pepper to taste. Once satisfied with the flavor, remove the skillet from heat. Your Vegan Onion Gravy is now ready to be ladled over your favorite dishes!
Equipment
- Skillet
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Notes
- Be patient while caramelizing the onions; this step is essential for developing a rich flavor.
- Whisk continuously when adding the broth to avoid lumps.
- Adjust the thickness of the gravy by adding more broth or dairy-free milk if desired.
- Taste as you go, adjusting the seasoning to your preference.
